Isky EZ Roll lifters
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 283
From: Puyallup WA
Isky EZ Roll lifters
A little over a year ago I decided to give the Isky EZ Roll lifters a try in my 632. A few of the Crower (HIPPO) lifters had gotten sloppy and I was looking for something a little more reliable.
I purchased a set from Mike Lewis @ Wolfplace and promptly installed them. I made 7 runs on the DynoJet before I heard a weird noise. I immediately pulled them out and found that several of them had seized up. Mike put me in touch with Ron Iskenderian and this is when the adventure began.
To date I have gone through 4 sets of the EZ Roll's and have yet to install the last set. Every time it has been the same thing with the roller seizing up. Also, every time I have had to send the cam back in to get reground because of the damage caused when the lifter seizes.
According to Ron, this latest set is supposed to cure all of my problems but I am apprehensive to install them. This "R&D" for Isky has really burned me out and this is one of the reasons I haven't been doing any car related work lately.
My application is not what I would call normal. My spring rate is 325# on the seat and 875# open so the roller lifter is taking quite a bit of abuse. Ron has said all along that these pressures are no problem for their lifters.
At any rate, the jury is still out in my case.
Steve
I purchased a set from Mike Lewis @ Wolfplace and promptly installed them. I made 7 runs on the DynoJet before I heard a weird noise. I immediately pulled them out and found that several of them had seized up. Mike put me in touch with Ron Iskenderian and this is when the adventure began.
To date I have gone through 4 sets of the EZ Roll's and have yet to install the last set. Every time it has been the same thing with the roller seizing up. Also, every time I have had to send the cam back in to get reground because of the damage caused when the lifter seizes.
According to Ron, this latest set is supposed to cure all of my problems but I am apprehensive to install them. This "R&D" for Isky has really burned me out and this is one of the reasons I haven't been doing any car related work lately.
My application is not what I would call normal. My spring rate is 325# on the seat and 875# open so the roller lifter is taking quite a bit of abuse. Ron has said all along that these pressures are no problem for their lifters.
At any rate, the jury is still out in my case.
Steve
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Uh Oh, I need to call you Steve !! I just got a set.......no desire to be some ones R and D.
I am 280 at the seat, but will go over 8000 rpms.
Maybe you should start a thread on Speed talk ?
I am 280 at the seat, but will go over 8000 rpms.
Maybe you should start a thread on Speed talk ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Hey Steve, thanks for the review. Yours is the first real actual user feedback I have heard. I am one of those on the fence, wanting to go solid roller from my solid flat tappet. I only want to swap, however, when a near bullet proof lifter exists, although I will never "test" them as your application does. Sounds like you have been pulling that motor alot lately. Thanks again for the info.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
A little over a year ago I decided to give the Isky EZ Roll lifters a try in my 632. A few of the Crower (HIPPO) lifters had gotten sloppy and I was looking for something a little more reliable.
I purchased a set from Mike Lewis @ Wolfplace and promptly installed them. I made 7 runs on the DynoJet before I heard a weird noise. I immediately pulled them out and found that several of them had seized up. Mike put me in touch with Ron Iskenderian and this is when the adventure began.
To date I have gone through 4 sets of the EZ Roll's and have yet to install the last set. Every time it has been the same thing with the roller seizing up. Also, every time I have had to send the cam back in to get reground because of the damage caused when the lifter seizes.
According to Ron, this latest set is supposed to cure all of my problems but I am apprehensive to install them. This "R&D" for Isky has really burned me out and this is one of the reasons I haven't been doing any car related work lately.
My application is not what I would call normal. My spring rate is 325# on the seat and 875# open so the roller lifter is taking quite a bit of abuse. Ron has said all along that these pressures are no problem for their lifters.
At any rate, the jury is still out in my case.
Steve
I purchased a set from Mike Lewis @ Wolfplace and promptly installed them. I made 7 runs on the DynoJet before I heard a weird noise. I immediately pulled them out and found that several of them had seized up. Mike put me in touch with Ron Iskenderian and this is when the adventure began.
To date I have gone through 4 sets of the EZ Roll's and have yet to install the last set. Every time it has been the same thing with the roller seizing up. Also, every time I have had to send the cam back in to get reground because of the damage caused when the lifter seizes.
According to Ron, this latest set is supposed to cure all of my problems but I am apprehensive to install them. This "R&D" for Isky has really burned me out and this is one of the reasons I haven't been doing any car related work lately.
My application is not what I would call normal. My spring rate is 325# on the seat and 875# open so the roller lifter is taking quite a bit of abuse. Ron has said all along that these pressures are no problem for their lifters.
At any rate, the jury is still out in my case.
Steve
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Likes: 49
From: Southern California
A little over a year ago I decided to give the Isky EZ Roll lifters a try in my 632. A few of the Crower (HIPPO) lifters had gotten sloppy and I was looking for something a little more reliable.
I purchased a set from Mike Lewis @ Wolfplace and promptly installed them. I made 7 runs on the DynoJet before I heard a weird noise. I immediately pulled them out and found that several of them had seized up. Mike put me in touch with Ron Iskenderian and this is when the adventure began.
To date I have gone through 4 sets of the EZ Roll's and have yet to install the last set. Every time it has been the same thing with the roller seizing up. Also, every time I have had to send the cam back in to get reground because of the damage caused when the lifter seizes.
According to Ron, this latest set is supposed to cure all of my problems but I am apprehensive to install them. This "R&D" for Isky has really burned me out and this is one of the reasons I haven't been doing any car related work lately.
My application is not what I would call normal. My spring rate is 325# on the seat and 875# open so the roller lifter is taking quite a bit of abuse. Ron has said all along that these pressures are no problem for their lifters.
At any rate, the jury is still out in my case.
Steve
I purchased a set from Mike Lewis @ Wolfplace and promptly installed them. I made 7 runs on the DynoJet before I heard a weird noise. I immediately pulled them out and found that several of them had seized up. Mike put me in touch with Ron Iskenderian and this is when the adventure began.
To date I have gone through 4 sets of the EZ Roll's and have yet to install the last set. Every time it has been the same thing with the roller seizing up. Also, every time I have had to send the cam back in to get reground because of the damage caused when the lifter seizes.
According to Ron, this latest set is supposed to cure all of my problems but I am apprehensive to install them. This "R&D" for Isky has really burned me out and this is one of the reasons I haven't been doing any car related work lately.
My application is not what I would call normal. My spring rate is 325# on the seat and 875# open so the roller lifter is taking quite a bit of abuse. Ron has said all along that these pressures are no problem for their lifters.
At any rate, the jury is still out in my case.
Steve
I've been skeptical of this lifter design from the start because on start-up those little bushings will be bone dry at their point of contact, from pushing the oil aside. Since they have to have the oil wedge formed like rods and mains, to prevent contact and wear, they will wear for sure, at least at every start-up. Shouldn't take too long to get loose.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 283
From: Puyallup WA
I need to make sure that everyone understands that this "R&D" I have spoken about was never solicited by Isky and in fact they offered to refund my money on more than one occasion. My refusal to give up was based on my desire to find a solution to the ongoing maintenance that comes along with roller lifters. Unfortunately, when you look back and realize that you've put in more maintenance trying to make something work than just sticking with old reliable, you get kind of bummed out.
John: This is the first time I have spoken on any forum about this issue. I want to be careful and not make this a "trash Isky" deal.
Bill: I truly hope that this EZ Roll deal works out because it will be a benefit to all of us.
Little Mouse: You are the one that actually prompted me to start this thread. I wouldn't give up just yet.
540 RAT: I am running Royal Purple XPR 20W50 oil - the $14.00/qt stuff - and I love it. I usually see 25 psi at idle and 85-90 psi at high rpm - when hot of course. No oil restrictors here. I use a Moroso 4-stage dry sump setup with a 3 gallon tank.
Steve
John: This is the first time I have spoken on any forum about this issue. I want to be careful and not make this a "trash Isky" deal.
Bill: I truly hope that this EZ Roll deal works out because it will be a benefit to all of us.
Little Mouse: You are the one that actually prompted me to start this thread. I wouldn't give up just yet.
540 RAT: I am running Royal Purple XPR 20W50 oil - the $14.00/qt stuff - and I love it. I usually see 25 psi at idle and 85-90 psi at high rpm - when hot of course. No oil restrictors here. I use a Moroso 4-stage dry sump setup with a 3 gallon tank.
Steve
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Likes: 49
From: Southern California
I need to make sure that everyone understands that this "R&D" I have spoken about was never solicited by Isky and in fact they offered to refund my money on more than one occasion. My refusal to give up was based on my desire to find a solution to the ongoing maintenance that comes along with roller lifters. Unfortunately, when you look back and realize that you've put in more maintenance trying to make something work than just sticking with old reliable, you get kind of bummed out.
John: This is the first time I have spoken on any forum about this issue. I want to be careful and not make this a "trash Isky" deal.
Bill: I truly hope that this EZ Roll deal works out because it will be a benefit to all of us.
Little Mouse: You are the one that actually prompted me to start this thread. I wouldn't give up just yet.
540 RAT: I am running Royal Purple XPR 20W50 oil - the $14.00/qt stuff - and I love it. I usually see 25 psi at idle and 85-90 psi at high rpm - when hot of course. No oil restrictors here. I use a Moroso 4-stage dry sump setup with a 3 gallon tank.
Steve
John: This is the first time I have spoken on any forum about this issue. I want to be careful and not make this a "trash Isky" deal.
Bill: I truly hope that this EZ Roll deal works out because it will be a benefit to all of us.
Little Mouse: You are the one that actually prompted me to start this thread. I wouldn't give up just yet.
540 RAT: I am running Royal Purple XPR 20W50 oil - the $14.00/qt stuff - and I love it. I usually see 25 psi at idle and 85-90 psi at high rpm - when hot of course. No oil restrictors here. I use a Moroso 4-stage dry sump setup with a 3 gallon tank.
Steve
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 283
From: Puyallup WA
Royal Purple XPR is my oil of choice also. Were you using it with the Crowers when they went bad? Could you give a little info on how those Crowers were used, how long they lasted, and just what exactly went wrong with them? I've gone with the Crowers myself, and I'd like to know what I might expect out of mine. Thanks.
They lasted about a year and a half but since this is not my daily driver I can't tell you how many miles are on them.
The problem with the lifters was the same problems I hear from everyone - the needle bearings go away.
Steve
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
roller lifters?
I am looking at doing an engine build on my BBC later in the year. I want to do a mild build; merely a bored 454. I have a 71 LS-5. I wanted to go with a retro roller hydraulic cam; maybe a Lunati. Do hydraulic rollers have the same issues as your soilds? I know that they are pretty much used in most production cars now. I want a solid engine that will run and run for a long time. I can't afford to be taking it apart; time, money and expertise! 450-500 hp is fine with me. i am looking at stock parts, ported, etc.... The car is just my weekend toy or it will be when I move back to the USA!
carbster09
carbster09
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 283
From: Puyallup WA
I am looking at doing an engine build on my BBC later in the year. I want to do a mild build; merely a bored 454. I have a 71 LS-5. I wanted to go with a retro roller hydraulic cam; maybe a Lunati. Do hydraulic rollers have the same issues as your soilds? I know that they are pretty much used in most production cars now. I want a solid engine that will run and run for a long time. I can't afford to be taking it apart; time, money and expertise! 450-500 hp is fine with me. i am looking at stock parts, ported, etc.... The car is just my weekend toy or it will be when I move back to the USA!
carbster09
carbster09
Steve
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Likes: 49
From: Southern California
I started using the Crower Lifters with Mobil 1, then went to Red Line, and finally ended up with Royal Purple. I check my lifters everytime I adjust them. With the Big Chief heads you can remove the lifters without pulling the intake manifold so it makes checking them extremely easy.
They lasted about a year and a half but since this is not my daily driver I can't tell you how many miles are on them.
The problem with the lifters was the same problems I hear from everyone - the needle bearings go away.
Steve
They lasted about a year and a half but since this is not my daily driver I can't tell you how many miles are on them.
The problem with the lifters was the same problems I hear from everyone - the needle bearings go away.
Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You need to re-negotiate with Isky on their "yet-to-be-developed" rollers. Tell them you will do the development for them, if they supply all of the hardware (including replacement cams, etc.) for $[fill in the blank] for each test.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Steve i lost a wheel on my old Brand X from Crane and it dinged up a lobe on my billet steel roller with only 200# seat. Crane credited me with the cost and gave me the Crane Ultra Pro's at cost.
I have them in both of my mild 7500 rpm motors without a failure. I only use Valvoline racing 20W50.
I just hate having to get proficient on on changing parts because of failure
Good luck! This summer.
Is that TKO 600 still withstanding your abuse? I installed the Center Force DFX clutch assembly. Very nice driving it out at the track
I have them in both of my mild 7500 rpm motors without a failure. I only use Valvoline racing 20W50.
I just hate having to get proficient on on changing parts because of failure
Good luck! This summer.
Is that TKO 600 still withstanding your abuse? I installed the Center Force DFX clutch assembly. Very nice driving it out at the track
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 283
From: Puyallup WA
540 RAT: I just spent a half an hour in my garage trying to find them but I failed. Sorry.
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Steve,
Thanks for sharing your 'research' with us. It's unfortunate that this has become a lesson in R&D and not a lesson in a new alternative to the normal solid roller woes. I ended up switching back to a solid flat tappet after my first experience with a roller failure at the beginning of the year. If the technology ever gets past this hiccup I'd like to go back to a solid roller setup but it's just too costly at this point to replace/rebuild expensive rollers as a 'normal maintenance' item.
Sounds like you might need to take a break from the testing/dynoing and get that bad boy back on the road for a few months. I'm sure it'll help renew the passion with the vette.
-Travis
Thanks for sharing your 'research' with us. It's unfortunate that this has become a lesson in R&D and not a lesson in a new alternative to the normal solid roller woes. I ended up switching back to a solid flat tappet after my first experience with a roller failure at the beginning of the year. If the technology ever gets past this hiccup I'd like to go back to a solid roller setup but it's just too costly at this point to replace/rebuild expensive rollers as a 'normal maintenance' item.
Sounds like you might need to take a break from the testing/dynoing and get that bad boy back on the road for a few months. I'm sure it'll help renew the passion with the vette.
-Travis
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
540 RAT: I just spent a half an hour in my garage trying to find them but I failed. Sorry.
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
Money stops me. I really thought about the CF Light metal Pressure plate because I road race. Then you have to look where is the most bang for the buck.
Are you drag racing with the son this year?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
540 RAT: I just spent a half an hour in my garage trying to find them but I failed. Sorry.
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 283
From: Puyallup WA
Travis: A solid flat tappet sure seems like the way to go from a reliability standpoint. As far as getting the car back on the road, that sounds like a good idea.
George: I am probably going to stick with the Coan PowerGlide. No racing with my son - he is working for a company called Aon in Chicago. All that fun is over - for now anyway.
John: About 12" at 7000 rpm.
Steve
George: I am probably going to stick with the Coan PowerGlide. No racing with my son - he is working for a company called Aon in Chicago. All that fun is over - for now anyway.
John: About 12" at 7000 rpm.
Steve
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Likes: 49
From: Southern California
540 RAT: I just spent a half an hour in my garage trying to find them but I failed. Sorry.
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve
7T1vette: I should have thought of that earlier...
George: Sounds like Crane took care of you. The TKO is no longer behind the 632. I am going to have to do some research on a Center Force DFX clutch. Thanks!!
John: Crankcase vacuum or manifold vacuum?
Steve